Participant Information

Bob Tingey

City:

Canberra

State:

Country:

Australia

Essay:

Bob Tingey was diagnosed with Parkinson's in February 1987. He was 46 years old, married with three sons, then aged 13, 11, and 9. After diagnosis Bob continued working for 10 years as a Senior Research Scientist with the Bureau of Mineral Resources in Canberra, Australia, editing The Geology of Antarctica for Oxford University Press, although he was not allowed to revisit the site of his field work in Antarctica because of his Parkinson's. He retired in 1996.

He began painting when his artist wife Nancy founded Painting with Parkinson's, an art group for people with Parkinson's and their carers. Bob found art work a 'can do' activity to replace so many things taken away when Parkinson's took over. When painting, he has no tremor and he finds that the technique of letting one mark lead to the next works well.

His painting 'Antarctic Waters' featured in publicity for the first World Parkinson Congress. Now, four years later his color choice is more vibrant. In 'Light' he covers the whole paint surface with brilliant color.